Work

Latent profile analysis of core competency in intravenous therapy among Chinese clinical nurses: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Nurses’ core competency in intravenous(IV) therapy directly impacts patient safety and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to identify latent classes of nurses’ intravenous therapy core competency using latent profile analysis (LPA) and explore key factors influencing these classes to inform targeted interventions. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024, involving 821 clinical nurses from 20 provincial-level regions in China. Data was collected using the validated Core Competency in Intravenous Therapy Scale. LPA was used to identify latent competency classes, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore risk factors. Results Three distinct latent classes were identified: (1) ‘Low-IV Core Competence’ (41.3%), with low scores across all dimensions; (2) ‘Moderate-IV Core Competence’ (45.9%), with medium scores across all dimensions; and (3) ‘High-IV Core Competence’ (12.8%), with high scores across all dimensions. Multivariate logistic regression showed that non-specialist nurses in intravenous therapy (Low vs. High: OR=42.362, p<0.001; Moderate vs. High: OR=45.829, p<0.001) and non-participation in intravenous therapy training programs (Low vs. High: OR=10.621, p<0.001; Moderate vs. High: OR=5.548, p<0.001) were strongly associated with lower competency. No significant associations were found with age, education level, hospital level, or work experience. Conclusions This study reveals a critical need for IV therapy core competency improvement in clinical nurses and underscore the importance of investments in IV specialist nurse development and standardized training to improve IV therapy quality and patient safety. Trial registration Not Applicable.

Source: BMC Nursing

DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-04007-7